The Reader Beat Monthly Recap

The Reader Beat aims to cover city and county council meetings as well as other important government and community-related meetings. A repeated concern during the August council meetings was the ongoing investigation of the shooting of Marchello Woodard by a state parole officer on July 2. The following is a summary of each meeting for the month of August:

City Council August 6:  During the first city council meeting of the month, many constituents came to advocate for the Erie Zoo and share their opinions on the two resolutions council presented. Resolution 1 proposed that the city provide $500,000 to the zoo annually. Alternatively, Resolution 2 proposed that the city partner with Erie Events and relinquish financial control over the zoo. Following a myriad of public comments, city council decided to remove Resolution 1 from the agenda.

Peggy Seib, a teacher at the zoo, commended the zookeepers and spoke about the love for the animals from those working at the zoo to those visiting. "You don't know what you have until you don't have it," Seib said. Councilmember Ed Brzezinski said, "As much as we love the zoo, we shouldn't be running it. Let's give it to the pros," referring to Erie Events, who run venues such as UPMC Park and the Warner Theatre. A resolution accepting the proposal of Erie Events regarding operation of the Erie Zoo as described in the July 23, 2025 letter from Attorney James Walczak to City Solicitor Edward Betz and recommending the approval to the Mayor passed unanimously with an uproar of applause from the audience.

County Council August 12: The Justice for Chello Coalition and other constituents came to ask for support and an official statement addressing the death of Marchello Woodard. Councilmember Andre Horton addressed the room, sympathizing with the community, and expressing frustration and grief. "If anyone wants justice for Chello or for any other family in Erie County, it would be someone like me who has had two sons murdered in this county in an 18-month period," Horton said. The councilman also encouraged the constituents to vote and stay involved. "You're raising your voice here, that's great," Horton said. "We need to step up, our vote is our voice."

City Council August 20: All public comments during the city council meeting addressed the shooting of Marchello Woodard. Constituent Deonte Cooley explained that the names of the alleged suspects have still not been released and once again asked for continued advocacy. During public comments, Councilmember Tyler Titus said that tension will continue to build in the city as long as there is a lack of transparency. An ordinance amending Article 101, authorizing a referendum on the question of studying the existing form of government and considering the advisability of the adoption of an optional form of government or preserving the home rule charter for the City of Erie was passed unanimously.

County Council August 26: The county council meeting included discussions about the Marchello Woodard case and the upcoming budget. Constituents expressed their frustration at the ongoing investigation and the lack of information being revealed to the public, particularly the name of the officer that shot Woodard. "The justice system is failing our community," said constituent Malcolm Pullium. Some speakers urged the council to hold a town hall and encourage the district attorney and state representatives to be more transparent. Constituent Chanel Caljean referenced Erie County's history of redlining and offering fewer educational and financial opportunities for Black residents. Councilmember Andre Horton mentioned the need for Erie residents to get involved with the budget hearings, mentioning they historically have low attendance from the public. "In 35 days [County Executive Brenton Davis] is going to hand us around a $600 million budget and you're not going to see Black and Brown communities in it anywhere."

Coming up this month:

County Council: Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.

City Council: Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. 

County Council: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.